January Awareness Month

National Birth Defects Prevention Month

The mission of the National Birth Defects Prevention Network is to establish and maintain a national network of state and population-based programs for birth defects surveillance and research to assess the impact of birth defects upon children, families, and health care; to identify factors that can be used to develop primary prevention strategies; and to assist families and their providers in secondary disabilities prevention.




Cataract Awareness Month

Since its founding in 1896, the American Academy of Ophthalmology has been an institution dedicated to the advancement of ophthalmic education. Established in 1980, the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology raises financial support and implements programs that advance ophthalmic education resulting in the best possible eye care for the public.

Funds raised by the Academy Foundation are used to:
Develop new Academy educational products and services,
Help improve eye care in developing countries through education and,
Preserve the history of ophthalmology and the Academy.

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

The National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC) founded in 1997 is a grassroots nonprofit organization dedicated to serving women with, or at risk for, cervical cancer and HPV disease. Over 4,000 members have joined the NCCC; Members include women and family members/caregivers/friends, women's groups, cytotechnologists, pathologists, clinicians, laboratories, technology companies, cancer researchers, hospitals, organizations providing cervical cancer screening programs, and other related associations.




National Volunteer Blood Donor Month

January is National Volunteer Blood Donor Month (NVBDM). To increase awareness of blood donation the nations leading blood donation organizations, America's Blood Centers, AABB, and the American Red Cross, have joined together to promote NVBDM. First-time and regular donors are encouraged to make a difference to their communities by scheduling an appointment to give blood this January. Remember, just one pint of blood can help save up to three lives.


Martin Luther King Day of Service

In 1994 Congress passed the King Holiday and Service Act, designating the King Holiday as a national day of volunteer service. Instead of a day off from work or school, Congress asked Americans of all backgrounds and ages to celebrate Dr. King's legacy by turning community concerns into citizen action. The King Day of Service brings together people who might not ordinarily meet, breaks down barriers that have divided us in the past, leads to better understanding and ongoing relationships, and is an opportunity to recruit new volunteers for your ongoing work.

National Mentoring Month

National Mentoring Month (NMM) highlights mentoring and the positive impact it can have on young lives. Spearheaded by the Harvard Mentoring Project, MENTOR and the Corporation for National and Community Service, the first-ever NMM was held in January 2002. This month-long outreach campaign focuses national attention on the need for mentors, as well as how each of us- individuals, businesses, government agencies, schools, faith communities and nonprofits can work together to increase the number of mentors and assure brighter futures for our young people.


National Poverty in America Awareness Month

One in six American children still lives below the poverty line. The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CDHD) invests in community-based solutions. They know no religious boundaries. They support projects that break the poverty cycle for good.

Hello 2012

The Christmas decorations are back in the attic, the requisite collards, Hoppin’ John, and cabbage have all been consumed and at work we are back in the office and gearing up for 2012 which means it’s time to clear the clutter from our desks and get organized. Which I have done so - now working on clearing what I did not do from home in 2011 that I said I would...lol Ha that's part of my NEW goals...

Lots of goals trying to meet - let's see if I can do all of them in 2012!

December was a little happy and sad for me thus why I did not post anything for the month - had some life issues going on! Things are somewhat back on track now trying to play catch up!

Will miss all my friends and family that have moved on from this life - I know that you all are in a much better place - I only pray that GOD gives us here on Earth the strengh to carry on and hold you all close within our hearts!


Prayer for 2012 - God Bless us all!

May God bless you with discomfort

At easy answers, half truths and superficial relationships,

So that you may live deep within your heart.



May God bless you with anger

At injustice, oppression and exploitation of people,

So that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace.



May God bless you with tears

To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war,

So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain to joy.



And may God bless you with enough foolishness

To believe that you can make a difference in the world,

So that you can do what others claim cannot be done,

To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.

Amen

It may seem odd to pray for discomfort, anger, tears, and foolishness… but that’s usually what it takes to do work that matters. Some say 2012 could be the end of the world and others, like me, believe it’s the dawn of something new and unexpected…something great. As the world gets darker the light of Christ will shine brighter. Share that hope. And pray this prayer. The world is waiting.


Have a great 2012!

Look all the way to the end to see what my Chi girls had to say!

What Is Your Pet Thankful For This Thanksgiving?
Share Your Pet's Tale of Thanks, "Like" the Petcentric Facebook Page, And Purina Will Donate $1, Up to $50,000, to Adopt-a-Pet.com



ST LOUIS, Nov. 22, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- At Thanksgiving Day feasts across the country, families pause to reflect on the many things they are thankful for, and for millions of people that includes their pets. This year, Nestle Purina PetCare(R) is looking at this holiday tradition in a different way - from the pet's point of view.

Beginning on Thanksgiving Day, pet lovers are invited to visit the Petcentric by Purina Facebook page and share what their pet is thankful for. Stories of gratitude will be accepted until Nov. 27, and for each "like" of the Petcentric Facebook page Purina will give thanks to pet rescue shelters by donating $1, up to $50,000, to Adopt-a-Pet.com. Adopt-a-Pet.com is the largest non-profit homeless pet adoption website in North America*.

"Pet lovers show their appreciation for their pets every day, and on this special day of thanks we'd like to know what they think their pets are thankful for," said Danielle Behan, senior brand manager, Purina brand. "This is a fun way to engage pet lovers and to support a great organization, Adopt-a-Pet.com, in its mission of finding forever homes for pets."

The program will be highlighted during the National Dog Show Presented by Purina(R), which is scheduled to air at noon (local time in all time zones) on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, on NBC, following the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Actor and National Dog Show co-host John O'Hurley will appear in a video during the telecast that features his four-legged friend Tater Tot and explores what the pup is thankful for at Thanksgiving.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the National Dog Show Presented by Purina. NBC launched the two-hour special in 2002 and it became an immediate hit with viewers, more than quadrupling TV ratings for that time slot from previous years. Nearly 20 million people tune into the show each year, making it a genuine family holiday tradition and America's most widely viewed dog show**. Some 2,000 of the nation's top dogs encompassing more than 160 breeds will compete for "Best in Show" this year.

The Petcentric Facebook page, located at www.facebook.com/petcentricbypurina, is an online community where pet lovers get together every day to share their love for their dogs and cats.

Adopt-a-Pet.com has more than 1.7 million unique site visitors each month and assists more than 11,000 animal shelters and humane societies find homes for their pets*.

Additional information and video available at www.internetvideorelease.com/thanksgiving.

About Nestle Purina PetCare Company

The North American headquarters for Nestle Purina PetCare is located at Checkerboard Square in St. Louis, Mo., where it was founded as Ralston Purina Company more than a century ago. Nestle Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, humane education, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. One of the leading global players in the pet food industry, Nestle Purina PetCare is part of the Swiss-based Nestle S.A., the world's largest food company. Visit www.purina.com.



Princess Kilala - I am so very thankful that my human Mom and Dad have me and that I get all the love, hugs and kisses on my neck that I wish for, and I am sooooooooooooo glad that Dad is taking care of me and yes that's right I get some chicken instead of turkey - cause I told him the turkey is not good for me... oh and yeah that morning I get to have turkey bacon and carrots - yummy in my tummy! Have a good thanksgiving!


Sassy Sissy - Well I like my new home been there since August but I get in trouble lots because I don't know when to stop picking on my big sis yet! But I am thankful for my home and all my chew toys even if sometimes I like to chew on things I should not be chewing on so much... ha ha and I love it when I beg on two legs and my human parents think it is so cute so I get lots of treats - I have them wrapped around my finger oh I mean paw! Have a great thanksgiving!

November - Winter/Fall is in the Air

November Awareness Month


Things you can be a part of - keep volunteering - I hear it is healthy for us!


Veteran's Awareness Week

Voices of Gratitude
A Holiday Tribute to the U.S. Armed Forces!
Add your voice to the campaign CanaryVoice is leading to let both active duty and retired military personnel know they are remembered and appreciated during the holidays.
FREE to add your tribute, simply CLICK HERE


If you are a non profit helping the Military, please send us an email so we can add you to the list. Send to annie@fundraisers.com.




The National Veterans Awareness Week resolution was written to help encourage, develop, and disseminate educational materials and activities. Students in elementary and secondary school learn about the contributions of veterans and their importance in preserving American peace and prosperity.

For more information, please visit >>> Veteran's Awareness

The Care Package Project

Help the Troops in Iraq! The Project currently ships over 700 care packages each month to Marines stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Their database grows daily as Marines send names of comrades who are not receiving mail or care packages. You can help get care packages of needed items to these Marines!

For more information, please visit the >>> Care Package Project


United States Marine Corps Day

You can help the Marine Corps friends and family by supporting them while they support one another through boot camp and deployment.

For more information, please visit >>> Marine Corps Parents


Injured Marines Fund

Help them raise funds for Injured Marines and their families. Severely wounded Marines continue to fight battles here and at home and struggle to adjust to their injuries. This Organization provides financial support to injured Marines while they continue their long road to recovery, as well as aid for post traumatic stress disorder cases from war, and all branches of the U.S Military as the need arises.

For more information, please visit the >>> Injured Marines Fund

America Recycles Day

With the involvement and enthusiasm of people like you, recycling is back! And so are thousands upon thousands of recycled products made from materials that would otherwise be piling up in our nation's landfills. It doesn't just make sense. It makes a huge difference to our environment, our quality of life and our country's future.

For more information, please visit >>> National Recycling Coalition


Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

The National Prostate Cancer Coalition provides information and services, including symptoms, prevention, treatment and free screenings. Their website offers the internet's most comprehensive list of prostate cancer information and resources.

For more information, please visit >>> The National Prostate Cancer Coalition


Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

Today marks the beginning of National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month- a time to educate the public about pancreatic cancer, a little-known disease, which kills one person every 17 minutes in the U.S. Pancreatic cancer, the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States, has a 99 percent mortality rate Ð the highest fatality rate of all cancers; yet it receives the least amount of federal funding of any cancer for research to find effective treatments.

For more information, please visit >>> The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network


National Alzheimers Awareness Month

The Alzheimer's Association, the world leader in Alzheimer research and support, is the first and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to finding prevention methods, treatments and an eventual cure for Alzheimer's. For 25 years, the donor supported, not for profit Alzheimer's Association has provided reliable information and care consultation; created supportive services for families; increased funding for dementia research; and influenced public policy changes.

For more information, please visit >>> The Alzheimer's Association

American Diabetes Awareness Month

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles.

There are 20.8 million people in the United States, or 7% of the population, who have diabetes. While an estimated 14.6 million have been diagnosed with diabetes, unfortunately, 6.2 million people (or nearly one-third) are unaware that they have the disease.

For more info, please visit >>> The American Diabetes Association

Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Lung Cancer Awareness Month (LCAM) is a national campaign dedicated to increasing attention to lung cancer issues. By organizing rallies, distributing educational material, holding fund-raising events, contacting Congress, and speaking to the media, those involved in LCAM bring much-needed support and attention to a disease that each year kills more people than breast, prostate, colon and pancreas cancers combined.

For more information, please visit >>> The Lung Cancer Alliance

Great American Smokeout

Every year, smokers across the nation take part in the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout¨ by smoking less or quitting for the day on the third Thursday of November. The event challenges people to stop using tobacco and raises awareness of the many effective ways to quit for good.

For more information, please visit the >>> American Cancer Society

America Education Day

Help celebrate American Education Week (AEW). This year's theme, Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility, highlights the importance of bringing together educators, school staff, parents, students, and communities in a unified effort to build great public schools. The theme also reflects NEA's vision of calling upon America to provide students with quality public schools so that they can grow, prosper, and achieve in the 21st century.

For more information, please visit >>> America Education Day

Prematurity Awareness Month

Every day 1 in 8 babies born in the U.S. arrives too soon. Premature birth can happen to any pregnant woman, and no one knows why. It is a serious, common and costly problem. The March of Dimes is leading the campaign to reduce premature births by supporting research and by educating the public and health care providers.

For more information, please visit the >>> March of Dimes

National Adoption Awareness Month

Each year, November is recognized as National Adoption Awareness Month. While all adoption-related issues are important, the particular focus of this month is the adoption of children currently in foster care.

For more information, please visit >>> Adoption.com

National Council For Adoption

NCFA has been a champion of adoption since its founding in 1980. Whether as an advocate for state laws that promote sound adoption policy, a resource for federal officials and policymakers about appropriate federal adoption initiatives and reform, a diplomat for sound international adoption policy, or a source of adoption facts and education, NCFA is devoted to serving the best interests of children through adoption. Learn more about the ways in which NCFA works to promote the positive option of adoption.

For more information, please visit >>> National Council For Adoption

Child Welfare Adoption Clearinghouse



Resources on all aspects of domestic and intercountry adoption, including adoption from foster care. Includes information for prospective and adoptive parents; information about searching for birth relatives; and resources for professionals on recruiting adoptive families, preparing children and youth, supporting birth parents, and providing postadoption services.

For more information, please visit >>> Child Welfare Information Clearinghouse

National Family Caregivers Month

The National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) supports, empowers, educates, and speaks up for the more than 50 million Americans who care for a chronically ill, aged, or disabled loved one. NFCA reaches across the boundaries of different diagnoses, different relationships and different life stages to address the common needs and concerns of all family caregivers. They are committed to improving the overall quality of life of caregiving families and minimizing the disparities between family caregivers and non-caregivers.

For more information, please visit >>> The National Family Caregivers Association

Hallo-ween Tips for a Safe one in 2011

FOR your Humans

Halloween Safety for Kids & Teens



Kids love Halloween! They get to dress up and get free candy! What a perfect holiday! Give your kids some precious Halloween memories that they'll have for life.

Some of you kids already know things that you can do to be safe, like how to cross the street, not to talk to or go with strangers and things like that. But we adults know how exciting Halloween can be and that can make you forget to be careful.

Here's some tips that we have just for you kids, to help keep you safe on Halloween night! Some of these ideas are called "common sense" ideas, that means that they are things that you should know and use every day in life. You are never too young to learn!

Never, ever go into a strangers house or even ring their door for treats unless your parents are with you and say that it's okay. There are some people in life that aren't very nice to kids and you have to be careful. Always make sure that your mom or dad is within sight when you go out trick-or-treating.


Be careful when you cross a street. Make sure to look in both directions and make sure that there are no cars coming. If you have a little brother or sister with you, take their hand and help them get across the street, too. If the street has a stop light, wait until the cross walk light tells you that it's okay to cross now, but still check before you cross, look both ways.


If you are an older kid or young teen, and going out with friends, make sure that your parents know where you are going and who you are going with. This may seem like a pain but they are your parents and they love you. They just want you to be safe.


If you can drive and are taking a bunch of friends to a party, make sure that you have enough gas to get there. You don't want to run out on a dark street, all alone, like a bad horror movie!


If you parents give you a curfew, be home when they say. It builds trust between you and them and they are doing it for your own safety. If you are going to be late, call them and let them know.


Vandalism is never cool! Throwing eggs at cars and houses is not cool. Someone has to clean it up and it could be you, if you get caught. You can also be arrested and punished as a juvenile. So, don't think that it's fun only if you can get away with it. It's never the right thing to do! Think about how you would feel if someone did that to your house and how bad it would make you feel.


Hurting animals is never acceptable behavior! Some people use Halloween as an excuse to hurt cats and that is just wrong! Not only is it illegal in most places to hurt or torture animals and punishable by law, you should never hurt a helpless living thing.



Halloween Safety Tips for Adults


Parents of trick-or-treating kids can get so caught up in the fun themselves that they might forget some simple safety ideas that could keep everyone out of trouble. Having a fun and safe Halloween will make it all worth while!

Kids love Halloween! They get to dress up and get free candy! What a perfect holiday! Give your kids some precious Halloween memories that they'll have for life.

If you take your kids to a sponsored event, like a safe Halloween thrown by your church or community center, make sure to keep an eye on them at al times. Even though it seems less dangerous, you are still in a strange environment full of people that you don't know. All it takes is a minute with your back turned to find your child gone.

Cell phones are everywhere now! Everyone seems to have one, they can be so affordable. Make sure that your child has a pre-programmed cell phone with him/her if they go out on Halloween night! Make sure that all important numbers are already there and ready for use.

Below are more common sense tips that can help adults keep their kids safe.

As bad as it sounds, this is just a fact of life now. Get on the internet and check your local state website for sex offenders. Almost every state has one, just do a search for your state sex offender site. Look up your zip code and it should have a list of registered offenders in your area that includes street addresses. Make sure that your kids stay away from these houses!


Know the route your kids will be taking if you aren't going with them. Let them know that they are to check in with you every hour, by phone or by stopping back at home. Make sure that they know not to deviate from the planned route so that you always know where they will be.


Trick or treating isn't what it used to be. In most cities it's not safe to let kids walk the streets by themselves. Your best bet is to make sure that an adult is going with them. If you can't take them yourself, see if another parent or two can.


Help your young child pick out or make a costume that will be safe. Make sure that it's fire proof or treated with fire retardant. If they are wearing a mask of any kind, make sure that the eye holes are large enough for good peripheral vision.


Know what other activities a child may be attending, such as parties, school or mall functions. If they are going to be at a friends home, get the phone number and make sure that you've met the parents.


Make sure you set a time that your kids should be home by. Make sure they know how important it is for them to be home on time or to call immediately if something happens and they are going to be delayed.


Kids will be kids. Explain to kids of all ages the difference between tricks and vandalism. Throwing eggs at a house may seem funny but they need to know the other side of the coin as well, that clean up and damages can ruin Halloween for everyone. If they are caught vandalizing, make them clean up the mess they've made.


Some sick people find Halloween a great night to hurt cats. Explain to your kids that animal cruelty of any kind is not acceptable. Kids may already know this on their own but stress the point that it's not acceptable behavior. Make sure that they know that harming animals is not only morally wrong but punishable by law and will not be tolerated.


Serve your kids a filling meal before trick or treating and they won't be as tempted to eat any candy before they bring it home for you to check. Check your local grocery store or craft store for Halloween cook books full of tasty treats on a horror theme for both kids and adults.


Make sure that if your child is carrying a prop, such as a scythe, butcher knife or a pitchfork, that the tips are smooth and flexible enough to not cause injury if fallen on. Make sure that costumes won't get in the way when they are walking, which could cause them to trip.


Teach your kids about not getting into strangers cars or talking to strangers, no matter what the person says to them. Explain to them as simply as you can that some adults are bad and want to hurt children, that they should never go into a house that they don't know, get into a car or go anywhere with a stranger. Also, tell them what to do should this happen, to scream as loud as they can to draw attention and to run away as fast as they can to someplace safe.


Be sure to show your children know how to cross a street properly. They should always look both ways before crossing the street and should only cross at corners or crosswalks. Make sure that if you have more than one child, they know to take the hand of the younger child when they cross a street.


FOR your animals


You may know those aren't real ghost and goblins out trick or treating, but your pet doesn’t. Dogs and cats are creatures of habit and are liable to become frightened or agitated by the unaccustomed sights and sounds. Constant ringing of doorbells and knocking can be unsettling for them. Halloween candy can also pose a danger for pets, particularly chocolate, which can be harmful, even fatal to them. So, hey kids, watch those treats-no sharing with Fido. Finally, there is a sense in the humane community that certain pets are at risk of becoming unwilling participants in the darker side of Halloween activities. So, attention, Black Cat owners, please keep an especially good eye on your beloved feline. Take some simple precautions and be sure to keep your pet indoors during the witching hours, and have a safe and happy Halloween!

Happy Fall

What does fall mean to you?


Fall can be a wonderful time of the year, if you make it wonderful!

This season can be used for connecting with friends or family over a cup of coffee or tea with cookies.

Fall can also be used to simply relax by a fireplace or fire pit with a good book, blanket and a cup of tea or hot coco.

Fall is also a good time of the year to reflect and plan, the stillness in the air can keep you focus, try it..you may start doing this every year!

Fall can also be good for volunteering - from being a volunteer for so many years I always see an increase during the fall months - so go out and find your passion and volunteer - remember you never ever know when you may be the person needing the help!


For me:

I do all the above during fall plus I love to listen to uplifting music and clean out the house of all the old and start anew - and did I really stress (in a good way) to volunteer - it really does relieve stress (no punt intended) - thanks for volunteering!

Helping those in need every year!

Hubbard House - Every Relationship Violence -Free

If you can help just send me a email at heartofavolunteer@yahoo.com or inbox my facebook to let me know how you can help! Thanks for the support!


Every year I help collect items for those in need and this year one place I have picked is: Hubbard House


Hubbard House depends on the support of the community to continue to provide safe emergency shelter and other services to abused women and their community. Below is a sample list of collections ideas to better acquaint you with the needs of the agency:


Top 10 Volunteer Collection Ideas

HELP is a PHONE CALL AWAY: Old cell phones

HELP stock the KITCHEN cabinets: Pots, pans, dishware, oven mitts, dishtowels, and can openers etc.

HELP stock the LINEN closet: Pillows, sheets and blankets

HELP keep it Clean: Bleach, toilet paper, paper towels

GIVE a SMILE to a child entering shelter: small toy, crayons & coloring books, small puzzles

HELP lift a victims' spirit: Stamps, Stationary & pens, journals, umbrellas

HELP stock the FOOD pantry: Canned foods, tuna cans, Juice boxes, Cracker packs,water

HELP take care of personal and health needs: Body wash, soap, toothpaste and tooth brushes, feminine hygiene, pain meds, first aid kits

"SHOWER" our babies: Diapers (all sizes), blankets, baby wipes, pacifiers, bottles, bottle cleaners, strollers and carriers

HELP our families celebrate: Travel size games, activity books, journals, crayons or color pencils

HELP our families achieve independence: provide new home welcome kits, or stater kits for bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, etc, suitcases filled with basic needs for personal care and towels



If you do not want to go through me you can also contact them at donategoods@hubbardhouse.org



Happy Fall season and it is a good reason to volunteer!




Volunteering Is Easy!